Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time

AN: This chapter is for beckyzoso. You're the best! Thank you so much for your endless support. I hope this chapter lives up to your wildest dreams. Enjoy :) ~ XOXO MAS

Chapter Ten

"Good morning Deputy Swan," Zelena settled onto the bar stool at Granny's next to Emma, "how's the new house?"

Emma snorted, "It's just fine, Mayor Mills. What I'm more interested in is why you care so much."

Zelena studied Emma intensely for a moment, "I'm merely concerned about the well-being of the children." At Emma's arched brow, the woman laughed, "You don't honestly believe you and Deputy Jones are fit to be parents, do you?"

Emma had to fight the urge to smack the woman, "I think Killian and I are more than capable of raising these two children. Without your interference." She accepted the cup of coffee and cup of cocoa from Ruby with a grateful smile, "Now, if you'll excuse me, madam mayor, I have to get back to the station. Some of us have work to do." She pushed past the woman and swung open the door to the diner, the bell chiming happily behind her.

Zelena scowled at her retreating figure, "Can I get you anything, Mayor Mills?" Ruby asked cheerfully.

"No." The woman snapped, standing up and stalking out of the diner and down the street.

She pushed the door to Gold's Pawn Shop open a few minutes later, "We need to talk." She demanded.

Mr. Gold looked over at his tiny wife, "Give us a few minutes, will you dearie?" He asked Belle.

Belle studied the mayor for a moment before placing a small kiss on Gold's cheek and swaying into the back of the shop, a book in hand. "We need to talk. This is not what we agreed upon." Zelena waved her arms around dramatically.

Gold sighed and circled the counter, "Again, Mayor Mills, I have no idea to what you are referring."

"I'm talking about the curse. About our deal." She snapped. "Those kids shouldn't be here."

"You must be talking about the children Deputy Swan and Deputy Jones have adopted. Belle mentioned she rented a home by the water to our two fine deputies." He smiled softly, "The appear to be quite happy with the youngsters."

Zelena's eyes narrowed, "Since when did you become so soft?" She demanded, "I need the Dark One right now, not this babbling man you've become." She stepped towards him threateningly, "You told me that two children could break the curse. You never said who they were, but there were two children who would wreak unspeakable havoc on this world I've created." She paused, "I want to know if these two children are them. It makes sense, in our land they have to be their children. I need to know. The curse said, and I quote 'the children who can break the curse will render the greatest power unto utter desolation.'"

"Well," Gold's jaw twitched slightly at her words, "that is quite the tale you've spun. Say, did Henry and Ava show you their storybook? Is that where you got this from. Belle and I ran into the four of them at dinner the other night and Henry showed me his book. Said he's not quite sure who I am in it."

"You're lying, you little imp. I know it. I can feel it. You know who I am. I know who you are. You know what this town is. Why won't you help me? Will it help you if this curse is broken? Is that what you need to get what you want? What is your endgame?" She yelled.

"I suggest, Mayor Mills, that you keep your voice down. We are, after all, inside. Also, you might want to consider seeing Dr. Hopper over your delusions." He advised.

"My delusions?" She shook her head, "I'll get you to admit to what's going on, if it's the last thing I do." Turning on her heel, she stormed out of the pawn shop.

Gold grinned as the door slammed shut, Those little ones will break the curse soon enough. Then I can get out of this godforsaken town.

OUAT

"Okay, so Killian's meeting me at the bar," Emma held out a piece of paper to Mary Margaret, "are you sure you're okay doing this?"

Mary Margaret accepted the slip of paper, "Emma, I already have both of your phone numbers and I know where The Rabbit Hole is. Now go, have fun with your man. You two should enjoy one night out and you look absolutely stunning." She motioned to the black leather dress Emma was wearing.

Emma flushed, "Thanks, I hope Killian likes it."

The older woman shook her head, "Emma, I'm pretty sure you could wear a garbage bag and that man would still think you're the most beautiful woman on the face of the planet." She pulled Emma into a maternal hug. "Now go, the kids and I are going to have plenty of fun. And as soon as David and Killian wrap up whatever it is they're working on, he'll be over here to have fun with us." She nudged Emma towards the door. "Now get out of here."

"Yeah, Mom," Henry and Ava had been watching from their place on the living room floor, "go have fun." Henry ordered with a smile.

Emma sighed and darted back to the living room to press one more kiss to each of their foreheads, "Now you be good for Mrs. Nolan. Alright?"

"Yes, Mom." They responded in unison. With one last wave, Emma left the house.

OUAT

Emma tugged the leather dress down. It showed far more leg than she was used to, but she knew Killian was going to love it. When she opened the door to the bar, she glanced around. It looked like she'd beaten Killian. He and David were wrapping up something with Leroy and Scarlett. She didn't know and she didn't really want to know. She wanted to enjoy the evening without thinking about the local troublemakers.

"Well, Deputy Swan, fancy meeting you here." Emma glanced to her right as a bar stool slid across the wooden floor.

"Dr. Whale," Emma smiled warmly at him, "how are you doing tonight? Hot date with Ruby?" She winked, knowing the good doctor and the sexy waitress were in a loose version of a relationship.

"Nope, Red's working tonight." He grinned as he referred to the red streaks in Ruby's hair, "What about you, all alone in a place like this? What is the world coming to?"

Emma chuckled and flagged down the bartender, ordering a glass of rum before turning back to Victor, "I'm waiting for Killian actually. He's stuck at the station with David right now. And as for me being in a place like this," Emma leaned forward slightly, "you don't have to worry about me, doctor, I can handle myself quite well."

Victor laughed, "That I do know, Emma. I've seen you take down Scarlett a time or two in my ER." Emma couldn't help, but to laugh at that.

That was how Killian found her fifteen minutes later, laughing at an elaborate story Victor was telling her about their security guard, who he'd nicknamed Sleepy because of his uncanny ability to fall asleep at the most inopportune moments. The doctor's hand was hovering over Emma's bare knee like he wanted it to land there, but wasn't sure if it was quite the right moment, yet. Growling at the sight, Killian strode purposefully up to Emma, "I'm so sorry I'm late, Swan. Scarlett and Leroy took some corralling." He glanced at Victor, his voice cold, "Dr. Whale." He nodded.

"Deputy Jones." Victor nodded his own head in greeting.

Emma rolled her eyes and nudged Killian's ribs, "Why don't I get you a glass of rum." She suggested. "Vic was just telling me a story about Sleepy." She chuckled and spun back to the bar, flagging down the bartender for two more glasses of rum and another beer for Victor.

"Is that so?" Killian asked, "He was just telling you a story?"

Emma quirked an eyebrow at him as she handed him one of the glasses of rum, "Yes, Killian, that's all he was doing."

"Really now?" Killian wrapped one arm around Emma's waist and pointed his rum at the doctor, "It seems to me like he may have an ulterior motive." He accused.

"An ult" Emma shook her head, "Killian, what are you talking about?"

Killian snorted, "Please, a stunning lass sitting in a bar alone, drinking, wearing that dress and you don't just expect every man to fall over himself to get you into bed?"

Victor eyed Emma, "I know you two are sleeping together, Killian, I'm not daft." Victor objected.

"We're not just sleeping together, Victor, we are together." Killian stepped around Emma to put himself in the doctor's personal space, "So I suggest you keep your hands to yourself and remember that I can not only arrest you for fun, but I'm fully capable of beating the shit out of you."

Emma rested a hand on Killian's forearm in restraint. People were beginning to stare as Victor stood up to challenge Killian, "Killian, nothing happened."

"I think you should listen to the lady, mate." Victor mocked, "Nothing happened and if something were to happen it would be because Emma wanted it to as well."

Killian growled, "Now you listen here, Whale, Emma is my girlfriend, and you would be wise to respect that. You and Ruby may be into the open relationship thing, but Emma and I are not."

"You may consider letting her speak for herself." Victor tried to bait both of them.

"Okay, you two," Emma stepped between them, "that's enough. Don't make me arrest both of you. You," she pointed to Victor, "may wind up being needed at the hospital, and you," she pointed to Killian, "have other plans tonight that do not involve you sleeping on a cot alone in a jail cell. Are we clear?" Neither of them responded, "I asked if we're clear." She repeated.

"Yes, Emma." They responded together.

"Good, now, Killian, why don't we take our drinks over there." She pointed to a recently vacated booth.

"Of course, Swan." He picked up his own rum and followed her across the bar. "Look, I'm sorry, Emma, it's just, the way he was looking at you, bloody hell, I just can't stand it. I can't stand the thought of you with another man. And every man in this bar wants you and it's flattering to know you're going home with me, but he was making a move on you and it just boils my blood and"

Emma snorted and sat down, "Please, Killian, don't you think you may be exaggerating just a little bit?"

Killian's gaze softened, "You truly don't know how exquisite you are, lass." His tone was reverent. "It's no wonder the good doctor wants to throw you over the bar or take you home with him."

Emma gave him a watery smile, it still took her breath away how Killian not only described her, but looked at her and treated her, "Well, as sexy as that little display of testosterone was, you should know that you're the only one I want throwing me over any bar. Or taking me home." She stood up and wrapped her arms around his waist, "I'm yours, Jones. Like it or not, I'm not going anywhere."

Tucking her hair behind her ears and cupping her face to bring her lips up to his, he murmured, "Good."

OUAT

Ava bit her lip and shook her head, "Henry, it's a bad idea."

"I think it's our best bet." Henry replied. "She'll remember where she's from. She's not cursed. She was already here. She's got to be somewhere near here."

"But she's evil." Ava protested. "There's a reason they put her in that."

"She may be the only one who can tell us how to break the curse." Henry argued.

"But then she's going to be free. And what if she tries to hurt our family?" Ava whispered, her eyes watering. "I don't want anyone to be hurt."

"We can put her back before we break the curse. Once we know how we can make her go away and then break the curse and go home." Henry thought aloud.

After a moment of thought, Ava nodded, "Okay then, let's do it."

Henry held up his fist and bumped it against hers, "Tomorrow we'll go hunting for that lamp." He grinned, "Once we get what we need from the Evil Queen, we'll find our way back home."

OUAT

XOXO

MAS